How to Get a Private ADHD Diagnosis
The NHS is unable to diagnose ADHD in a lot of patients because of the long waiting lists. Some are desperate for answers and willing to pay private firms for their services.
However the recent BBC Panorama investigation has suggested that a lot private clinics provide inaccurate assessments. This has led to concerns and controversy over the quality of care patients receive.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD it is necessary to undergo a full examination by psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only person who can provide a definitive diagnosis for treatment. This is particularly important as a formal diagnosis is necessary for access to workplace protections (such as flexible working) and also to be able to access NHS medication (which can only be prescribed by a Psychiatrist).
The symptoms of ADHD are categorized into three main categories that include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. While everyone exhibits certain traits at times, people with ADHD are likely to show them to a much greater extent than others. Hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting or being restless. It could also be accompanied by issues with planning and organization. Impulsive behavior can involve making reckless decisions, buying things without considering the consequences or rushing into situations without proper preparation. Inattentional ADD symptoms may include difficulty staying focused on tasks and putting off deadlines, or having difficulty to plan ahead. Combined ADHD is the most common form of the condition and involves problems with both inattentive and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms.
Many adults are hesitant about having an assessment, it is vital to seek one to receive the assistance and treatment you require. A diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense of relief and clarity to your life. It can help you understand your symptoms and provide strategies and tools to assist you in overcoming these. After being diagnosed, a lot of our patients report that their lives have changed for the better.
The assessment process involves a conversation about your symptoms and how they affect your life, as well as taking the DIVA online test and a detailed clinical interview. In your assessment, our psychiatrists will have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and are highly adept at helping you feel comfortable and at ease.
The Assessment
You'll have to undergo an exhaustive evaluation as an adult suffering from ADHD before you are diagnosed. This assessment must be performed by a healthcare professional who is an ADHD specialist. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a specialist nurse (though nurses are not qualified to prescribe medication). It does not matter where they're in the hierarchy of healthcare professionals, because it is their specific abilities and knowledge that define them as a specialist.
A specialist will use a structured interview to gather as much information as is possible about your symptoms, how they affect your life and relationships, and how long you've been suffering from them for. They will also inquire about your family's history of mental health and review your medical history. The specialist will then review all the information gathered from a variety of sources and make a diagnose based on the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
During the assessment process, you will be asked to take tests that are designed to measure your symptoms and assess their impact on your daily life. These can include questionnaires on your symptoms, memory, and inkblots, as well as tests such as puzzles or tasks that are timed. They will also consider any other conditions you might be suffering from as many of these can present similar symptoms to those that are associated with ADHD.
The assessment will also include an interview with a person who is familiar with you - for example, an individual from your family, partner or a close friend. This is to confirm your ADHD symptoms, and also to determine if they affect your work and relationships.
The expert you meet with click here will be able to provide you a thorough report that outlines the results of your evaluation and the available options for treatment, such as a shared care agreement with your GP for medications (where you pay just the NHS prescription charge). The doctor will explain their holistic recommendations for your care and discuss any medication they believe is appropriate.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting the diagnosis. The first step is to have an assessment in private by a specialist physician who will be able to confirm or refuse the diagnosis. They are typically psychiatrists with extensive experience in the field of neurodevelopmental conditions. The doctor will also inform you if there are other mental health conditions that could explain your symptoms or if they are caused by medication.
After the examination your doctor will review the results and suggest the best treatment plan. Based on your needs, this may involve beginning psychotherapy or medication. Many people with ADHD are prescribed stimulant medication that aid in reducing their symptoms. These medications are believed to enhance brain's natural chemical messages, like norepinephrine and dopamine which play a crucial role in the development of attention and movement. When the medication is used regularly, the majority of people notice their symptoms improve rapidly and efficiently.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from a treatment program that focuses on improving their self-esteem and relationships. This could include strategies that can reduce their frustrations and improve their ability to manage their time and assignments. Some people with ADHD can also benefit from dietary modifications, which can improve their energy levels.
Some adults may have a difficult time obtaining the diagnosis of ADHD particularly when they are part of minorities. This is due to the fact that some medical professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD that is not accurate, or be denied treatment.
Finding low-cost assessments and treatments can be a challenge, particularly if your insurance doesn't cover it. Many hospital-based clinics offer specialized ADHD clinics that take the financial aspects. Additionally, these clinics are more likely to be enrolled in a variety of insurance plans and have residents and interns in training who can offer treatment under the guidance of a mentor.
Support
People with ADHD often struggle to recognize the effects their condition has on their lives. They don't always realize the fact that their struggles in organizing, planning and completing tasks cause issues at work or in relationships. People with high IQs are especially likely to not be able to recognize the impact of their ADHD. They may develop strategies for coping that enable them to function at a level below their capacity but they can cause problems such as depression and anxiety or addiction to alcohol or drugs.
This story demonstrates the need for seeking out expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. There are long waiting lists for NHS treatment, which makes it difficult for many people to get the treatment they need. Others pay to access private healthcare, but have no assurance that their doctor will agree to a 'shared care agreement' that will allow them to go back to the NHS for follow up treatment following an individual diagnosis of ADHD. They could be required to continue paying for private medications, CBT therapy or even more expensive coaching services.
It is important to ensure that any health professional you're thinking of working with has a solid track of experience working with adults who suffer from ADHD. You can look up their website or phone number to confirm if they have the expertise needed. You can also check whether they have experience treating comorbid conditions (disorders that co-exist with ADHD).
It is essential to select the appropriate psychiatrist or therapy because they will be the ones who will prescribe medication if needed. Find a doctor with special training on adult ADHD. You can do this by contacting your local support group for adults with ADHD, or the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) organization to find an expert in your area.
When choosing a therapist, or psychiatrist, it is important to consider your own personal preferences. For example, some people will be more comfortable with an therapist who is their gender or ethnicity. It is also possible to work with a person who is LGBTQIA+-allied or has experience working with the kink client.